U.S. report shows Iraqi forces have long way to go

**Tumbleweed** · Admin Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 4

This looks like a benchmark we just can't seem to accomplish.

Quote:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration's new Iraq report paints a picture of Iraqi security forces still plagued by sectarianism and heavily dependent on U.S. troops to conduct operations.

"Left on their own, many ISF (Iraqi Security Force) units still tend to gravitate to old habits of sectarianism when applying the law," said the report, issued by the White House on Thursday.

The report graded Iraq "not satisfactory" in terms of increasing units that could operate without U.S. help, allowing Iraqi forces to work without political interference and enforcing the law even-handedly.

A key element of U.S. strategy is building up Iraqi security forces so they can take over more responsibility and allow U.S. troops to go home. The U.S. military says it has trained and equipped more than 353,000 members of Iraq's security forces.

But the report said there had actually been a "slight reduction" since January in the number of Iraqi units judged capable of operating independently of U.S. forces. It did not provide figures.

Source

Slight reduction in capable Iraqito operate on their own? That doesn't sound like progress. Confused

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

And how long has this been said? And how long will it contiinue? If they are not ready, they will never be ready and that means learn to speak the dialectic.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Just in case you might want to read the report and see for yourself.

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**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Another reference for you--a transcript of the Bush news conference.

Yesterday, America lost an extraordinary first lady and a fine Texan, Lady Bird Johnson. She brought grace to the White House and beauty to our country.

On behalf of the American people, Laura and I send our condolences to her daughters, Lynda and Luci, and we offer our prayers to the Johnson family.

Before I answer some of your questions, today I'd like to provide the American people with an update on the situation in Iraq.

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**Tumbleweed** · Admin Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 4

It's no wonder the Iraq government doesn't want us to leave. Their military might have to get the testicular fortitude to step up to the plate and defend their country themselves.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Doesn't this story contradict the one about the good news from N. Iraq?

**Tumbleweed** · Admin Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 4

I don't believe a damn thing the government says anymore. They are fudging these reports to put positive spin to the war and I'm not buying it.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Yep and that is why it is called politics and not the truth. lol

**Tumbleweed** · Admin Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 4

Quote:

If we increase our support at this crucial moment, we can hasten the day our troops begin coming home.

Support for a failed war? It's not happening, no matter how many speeches Bush gives.

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committed to using diplomacy to strengthen regional and international support for Iraq's democratic government.

Who is it you're doing this diplomacy with again? I'm not aware of any talks.

The whole damn speech is a joke. Laughing

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

I agree, but aren't all his speeches jokes? Comedy Central on cable thinks he is; they have a new show called Lil Bush.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Just a little food for thought.

WASHINGTON, July 13 — The mixed progress report on Iraq that the White House submitted to Congress this week included several grim assessments of the Iraqi government that contrasted with the more upbeat public statements of President Bush, his top aides and public White House briefing materials in the past few weeks.

In several recent cases, the White House discussed progress toward benchmarks that the review found unsatisfactory.

Two weeks ago, when a reporter asked Tony Snow, the White House press secretary, for “any signs they are making progress in any way,” he said, “We do know that they are obviously working toward oil law and distribution laws,” and added, “but it’s a parliamentary process.” The Americans and the Iraqis consider the proposed Iraqi law to distribute evenly oil revenues throughout the country to be a crucial salve for internal division.

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**Tumbleweed** · Admin Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 4

Until Iraq has a functional government, all the benchmarks that have been set will be to no avail. I'm sure there is progress in some areas but until the government can unify the country not much really changes, except the death toll.

**Wolf** · Soldier Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 1

And yet the Iraqi prime minister has gone on record saying his country can get on fine without the U.S.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Michael Kwiatkowski wrote:

And yet the Iraqi prime minister has gone on record saying his country can get on fine without the U.S.

I think that was more of a brave face for the US public, after all his exclusive interview was on FOX.

**CHUQ** · Agitator Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts votes: 3

Now he did not mean the US could leave whenever it wanted. Spin drs at work.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's prime minister was misunderstood when he said the Americans could leave "any time they want" an aide said Sunday, as politicians moved to end a pair of boycotts that are holding up work on crucial political reforms sought by Washington.

In Baghdad, a car bomb hit a central square in a Shiite neighborhood, killing 10 people and wounding 25. Police said 22 bullet-riddled bodies were found across the capital Sunday, apparent victims of sectarian death squads.

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